Hear My Words – Michele Malpica Native American Elder Sculpture w/ Display Case

This magnificent mixed-media sculpture, Hear My Words by acclaimed artist Michele “Misha” Malpica, portrays a venerable Native American elder in the timeless act of storytelling. With eyes gently closed, his posture radiates wisdom, peace, and reverence — as though preserving ancestral knowledge for future generations.

Seated upon a richly polished burlwood base with a brass title plate, the figure is adorned in ceremonial regalia of exceptional authenticity. His braided white hair is crowned with a feather plume, while a fur mantle drapes across his shoulders. Around his neck hang layers of genuine turquoise, bone chokers, and shell adornments. A beadwork bib in vivid geometric patterns decorates his chest, complemented by beaded moccasins and fringed buckskin leggings. In hand, he holds a feather fan — a sacred object in many tribal traditions — and beside him rest two rawhide drums, underscoring the ceremonial context.

Malpica’s mastery is evident in every detail — from the lifelike facial wrinkles to the precise beadwork, from the texture of the fur to the natural flow of the leather fringe. Her work bridges artistic excellence with deep cultural respect, making this piece both a striking display and a meaningful celebration of Native American heritage.

This sculpture is accompanied by a custom acrylic display case (1/8" thick, removable top) for preservation and presentation.

Artist Biography – Michele “Misha” Malpica (b. 1953)

Michele “Misha” Malpica is a celebrated New Mexico–based sculptor known for her lifelike mixed-media figures honoring Native American traditions. Largely self-taught, Malpica began sculpting in the 1980s and quickly developed a style distinguished by historical accuracy, cultural storytelling, and unparalleled craftsmanship.

Her work incorporates polymer clay, leather, fur, rawhide, glass beads, turquoise, bone, feathers, and painted fabrics to achieve museum-quality realism. Each figure is a portrait of cultural heritage, adorned in authentic regalia and imbued with profound emotional presence.

Malpica’s achievements include the Collector’s Award of Excellence (1993) for her Sacajawea sculpture, Best Artist by the Hubbard Museum of the American West (1998), and the Mark Wroe Award of Excellence from Thunderbird Artists (2003). Her work has been exhibited in respected venues such as the Currier Museum of Art and the Wenham Museum, and featured in Southwest Art, New Mexico Magazine, and Wild West Magazine.

In 1995, she was selected to create an ornament for the White House Christmas Tree, now part of the Permanent Collection of American Artists in Washington, D.C. Her sculptures are held in private and public collections worldwide, treasured for their artistry, authenticity, and cultural reverence.

Condition:

Good condition, showing only light surface scratches from use. No damage to beadwork, carving, or structural elements. Colors remain vibrant, and all materials — including fur, feathers, turquoise, and beadwork — are intact. Burlwood base is polished and sturdy.

Dimensions:

• Statue: 25" H × 23" W × 20" D
• Case: 27" H × 27" W × 27" D (1/8" thick acrylic, removable top)
• Weight: Statue – 20 lbs 4.6 oz; Case – 40 lbs
• Please Note: Soup for Scale in Photo